They've done it missing linemen. They've done it missing linebackers. They've played through injury. They've played on a short week, traveling to the East Coast. They are running the football with physicality.

Something is happening, Philip Rivers can sense.

In that, the quarterback is not alone.

An identity has formed about the type of team the Chargers believe they are becoming. San Diego enters the bye week having seen its share of adversity, and yet, it has won consecutive games for the first time all year, the two coming cross-country in six days versus the Colts and Jaguars.

Challenge can make a white towel easy to throw.

Each win suggests fight is in this team's fabric.

“I think we're becoming tough,” Rivers said. “I think we're getting tough. I know that word can be overused, but there is something about being tough, mentally, physically. Just be tough. Find a way. Make it work. I think it's a mentality you have to have.

“You have to have it when you're hurt. You have to have it when you lose some tough games. You have to have it when you're 2-3. You have to have it when you're 4-3. Hopefully, we can carry the toughness and get us another win.”

The Chargers became a younger team this offseason.

A focus for General Manager Tom Telesco was, when having veterans, making sure they were the right ones to lead.

An example was set the way Jeromey Clary finished the Titans game in Week 3 and played the past three games with what the team has called a clavicle injury. He moved from right tackle to guard in April when the Chargers drafted D.J. Fluker. Clary has slid to right tackle twice mid-game this season in an injury pinch.

Whatever the team needs.

Tight end John Phillips, a fifth-year veteran in his first on the team, was one injury away Sunday from playing offensive tackle.

That is fine.

“Do what you're told, right?” Phillips said. “Go out there and make it happen.”

Rookie nose tackle Kwame Geathers was one injury away from playing guard.

That is fine.

“Whatever the coaches needed from me, I was ready to go,” Geathers said. “I think the older guys would have told me what to do and keep me straight. I was ready to give it my all.”

Wide receiver Eddie Royal did not practice at all last week. He walked in a protective boot Saturday. He played Sunday and was back in the boot Monday.

Weddle had a blister that became a callus that became a problem. The toe required a shot before the past handful of games. He underwent a medical procedure Monday morning in which the callus was numbed and sliced off.

When the bye ends, he will return to a practice field he never left.

To learn how to take care of his body, Fluker says he watches Weddle. To learn how to be a pro, rookie linebacker Manti Te'o looks around.